Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr praised Malta for its role in “supporting the cause of democracy in the Arab world” as he thanked the island for organising and helping in the evacuation of 33 Australian nationals from Libya last year.

Talks between Mr Carr and his Maltese counterpart, Tonio Borg, focused on the developments in Tunisia, Libya and Egypt.

Mr Carr said Malta had “unrivalled knowledge” of the developments in North African countries and the evolution of the Arab Spring.

Although Malta and Australia were geographically distant, their friendship was deep and long, he said.

Dr Borg said there were about 150,000 Maltese emigrants living in Australia, with Mr Carr noting how proud these were of their Maltese heritage.

He said Maltese immigrants in Australia were “a wonderful addition to the Australian family” and were proud of their dual citizenship.

He added that his visit to Malta was “the fulfilment of a dream”.

Mr Carr also met Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat.

Malta and Australia have 10 agreements. In 2011, Malta imported almost €5 million worth of goods from Australia and exported almost €3.5 million in products.

Malta mainly imports animal or vegetable fats and pharmaceuticals. Exports tend to be tilted towards beverages and pharmaceutical products. Last year was a record one for tourist arrivals from Australia, totalling 18,301.